The foundation for growing plants involves essential elements: soil (providing minerals, organic matter, water, air), light, water, air, and nutrients, all working together, but soil itself acts as the primary living medium for roots to anchor and absorb these vital resources for healthy growth and stability. On healthy soil bees may come and establish a healthy ecological environment. If the foundation for growing plants is erased, a desert emerge.
The living medium that anchors roots, provides water, air (for root respiration), and nutrients. Healthy soil contains minerals, organic matter (humus), water, and air pockets. Light is Essential for photosynthesis, the process plants use to create energy. Different plants need different amounts (full sun, partial shade, etc.). Water is Crucial for nutrient transport and maintaining plant structure, absorbed by roots from the soil. Plants take in carbon dioxide from the air for photosynthesis and need oxygen for root respiration. Minerals and organic compounds from the soil (or added via fertilizer) that plants need for building blocks and energy.
The Soil composition is a mix of sand, silt, clay, and organic matter affects drainage and aeration, which are vital for root health. Roots anchor the plant, absorb water and nutrients, and help bind soil particles, preventing erosion. In essence, healthy soil is the bedrock, providing the physical and nutritional support, while light, water, and air are the essential inputs for photosynthesis and respiration, enabling the entire plant system to thrive.
Soil loses its ability to grow plants primarily through soil degradation, a process where erosion (wind/water removing topsoil), compaction (heavy machinery/overgrazing), pollution (chemicals, waste), salinization (poor irrigation), and loss of organic matter (tillage, monocultures) strip nutrients, destroy structure, and harm microbes, making it infertile and unable to hold water or support roots effectively.
Increased demand for agriculture commodities generates incentives to convert forests and grasslands to farm fields and pastures. The transition to agriculture from natural vegetation often cannot hold onto the soil and many of these plants, such as coffee, cotton, palm oil, soybean and wheat, can actually increase soil erosion beyond the soil’s ability to maintain itself.
Half of the topsoil on the planet has been lost in the last 150 years. In addition to erosion, soil quality is affected by other aspects of agriculture. These impacts include compaction, loss of soil structure, nutrient degradation, and soil salinity. These are very real and at times severe issues.
The effects of soil erosion go beyond the loss of fertile land. It has led to increased pollution and sedimentation in streams and rivers, clogging these waterways and causing declines in fish and other species. And degraded lands are also often less able to hold onto water, which can worsen flooding. Sustainable land use can help to reduce the impacts of agriculture and livestock, preventing soil degradation and erosion and the loss of valuable land to desertification.
The health of soil is a primary concern to farmers and the global community whose livelihoods depend on well managed agriculture that starts with the dirt beneath our feet. While there are many challenges to maintaining healthy soil, there are also solutions and a dedicated group of people, who work to innovate and maintain the fragile skin from which biodiversity springs.